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Webcast

Understanding risks and biases in behavioral health SML allegations

Explore key insights on sexual misconduct investigations in behavioral health settings, highlighting challenges, best practices, and victim-centered approaches.
Part II of our Practical Strategies: Sexual molestation and behavioral health claims in healthcare series focuses on sexual misconduct in behavioral health and offers a thorough exploration of the critical issues surrounding allegations and investigations in this sensitive field.

Listeners will gain a clear understanding of key definitions such as sexual misconduct, assault, boundary violations, and exploitation within behavioral health settings. Presenters Hala Helm, Strategic Healthcare Risk Advisor, Marsh and Robin Bell, Healthcare Safety Consultant, MMA highlight the unique vulnerabilities patients face due to therapeutic dependency and power imbalances, as well as grooming behaviors by perpetrators and institutional challenges like inadequate screening and supervision. They also also address the troubling prevalence of sexual misconduct, significant underreporting, and the complex barriers victims encounter when coming forward, including fear of disbelief, retraumatization, and confidentiality concerns. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of trauma-informed, victim-centered investigative approaches to improve accuracy and victim cooperation.

This webcast is essential for professionals involved in behavioral health or healthcare risk management because it provides practical guidance on best practices for handling sexual misconduct allegations. It stresses the need for empathetic frontline staff training, the use of third-party investigators to minimize bias, and thorough documentation and mandatory reporting to licensing boards and authorities. By listening, professionals will learn how to enhance safety protocols, conduct unbiased investigations, and reduce institutional liability, ultimately fostering a safer and more ethical behavioral health care environment. The insights shared empower organizations to better protect patients, support victims, and address the systemic challenges that contribute to sexual misconduct in behavioral health settings.

Download the slides

Three key takeaways:

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Awareness

Recognize the unique vulnerabilities in behavioral health settings caused by power imbalances and therapeutic dependency that increase the risk of sexual misconduct.

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Vulnerability

Implement trauma-informed, victim-centered investigative practices to improve accuracy, support victims, and reduce retraumatization during sexual misconduct investigations.

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Reporting

Establish comprehensive training and clear protocols for frontline staff to respond empathetically and appropriately to allegations, while ensuring mandatory reporting and unbiased documentation.

About our speakers

Hala Helm

Hala Helm

Strategic Health Care Risk Advisor

  • United States

Robin Bell

Robin Bell MBA, RN, CPG

Healthcare Safety Consultant

  • United States

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